BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

BARC has a large amount of cats and dogs at their facility that are up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 7 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 9 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 12 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 13 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 14 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

Image 17 of 19

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

A dog that BARC currently has up for adoption.

Photo: BARC

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BARC says that is busting at the seams with dogs and cats

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The City of Houston's BARC Animal Shelter has been taking in thousands of dogs and cats over the past few months as the city seems to be undergoing a birthing boom of domestic animals.

"It's been a common thing lately," says Ashtyn Rivet with BARC. "Every year at about this time, it gets really busy at BARC. It seems to be puppy and kitten season."

Rivet says that the agency is taking in hundreds of animals over each weekend. This past weekend, more than 400 dogs and cats came through their doors – at 3200 Carr - either surrendered by their owners or dropped off as strays. In May alone, the agency took in about 2,500. No animal is turned away, she adds.

"We are required by law to take in every animal no matter the condition," Rivet says.

Right now BARC is offering $20 adoptions for cats, $35 adoptions for kittens, and $75 and $50 adoptions for puppies and grown dogs.

Rivet says that the key to keeping the number of animals down at BARC starts with responsible pet ownership, which means making sure pets do not roam the neighborhood.

"That will make a huge impact on the overpopulation of animals in Houston. It's going to take the entire community getting on board with this to make a real difference," Rivet says.

June 4 is known as National Hug Your Cat Day, but as Rivet says, you don't need a special day to show your feline roommates affection.

"Every day is hug your cat day here at BARC," says Rivet.

To adopt from BARC, you must be 18 with a current driver's license or ID and must provide proof of current address. Renters must have landlord approval. Their adoption packages include spay and neutering service, vaccinations, and micro-chipping, which can alert other shelters of the identity of the owners if the pet ends up in their facility.